Olathe encouraging voluntary water conservation - KCTV5

Some people in the Kansas City metro got a little bit of rain Friday, but it wasn't much to make a difference on the extremely dry conditions. Now, the city of Olathe, KS, is asking neighbors to conserve water.

The water restrictions are strictly voluntary for now, but that could change.

Olathe homeowner Steve Ward takes great pride in his tomato plants and apple trees. He works hard all year-round keeping his trees and plants in great shape, and that includes a lot of watering.

"It could be bad. We could probably suffer a little bit," Ward said.

So naturally he's getting a little worried about the voluntary water restrictions Olathe handed down Friday. Their concerns stem from low levels at water treatment plants. The brutal heat and lack of any heavy rain is a bad combination for water levels, so they're trying to head off any problems by acting now.

"Water conservation is an important measure. It's good for any resident to be able to do that," Environment Services Manager Michele Wirth said.

Wirth said water levels haven't been this bad since 2003 when the city had to implement mandatory water restrictions.

She said the plants are running at capacity and customers shouldn't be seeing any problems currently. But, if there isn't a substantial rain soon, that could change.

The city encourages water conservation measures through reduction of outdoor water use including, but not limited to:

• Voluntarily implementing an alternate day (odd/even) schedule for outdoor watering

• Limiting nonessential outdoor water use and implementing Wise Outdoor Watering practices

• Watering outdoors between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.

• Limiting or eliminating outdoor water use on the weekends

• Using a soaker hose to water plants more efficiently

• Limiting car washing at home or use commercial car wash that recycles water

• Avoiding hosing down outside areas such as sidewalks, patios and driveways

During this critical period, the public can also help reduce indoor water use by shortening showers, only washing full loads of dishes and clothes, shutting off the faucet while brushing teeth, and repairing leaky toilets and faucets.

Olathe is included in Kansas Water Assurance District 1, which covers the Kansas River Basin and their water conservation request is in cooperation with Kansas Water Assurance District 1.

Though the city's water production operation continues meeting high demand, the city said in a news release they recognize the importance of ensuring the region's water supply by encouraging residents to use water wisely.

The request is purely voluntary at this time as Olathe continues to monitor water demands, capacity and operations.

For a detailed look at the city's Water Conservation Plan and additional Wise Outdoor Watering tips, click here.

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